Hanna Lee Communications’ Creativity Shines at the PRWeek Awards
Hanna Lee Communications was awarded an “Honorable Mention” for Best Consumer Launch Campaign of the Year for Sobieski Vodka’s “Truth in Vodka” campaign. The panel of 77 judges included journalists and top communications executives who reviewed several hundred entries and chose Hanna Lee Communications as first runner-up. Sobieski was the only spirits brand to be nominated for its PR campaign for this prestigious award. The black-tie gala awards ceremony, which had 900 attendees, was held at Tavern on the Green on March 5, 2009. Click here to read the article. Click here to view some fun photos of the awards event.

Terra Andina Chilean Wine Featured on NBC “Today Show”
NBC “Today Show,” the most-watched morning show in the U.S. with 6 million daily viewers, featured Terra Andina’s 2007 Carmenère Reserva in their Best Bargain Wines for Spring segment with wine expert Leslie Sbrocco. Terra Andina was the only Chilean wine included in the piece and it’s the first time the brand has been spotlighted on U.S. network television. Click here to watch the segment and click here to read the press release.

Macondo, a Latin Tapería, Lauded by Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal featured Macondo in an article that also highlighted The Four Seasons, an iconic New York restaurant. In the article, the writer praised Chef Máximo Tejada’s Estilo Libre Latino (freestyle Latino) cuisine and noted that Macondo offers “affordable, small plates of attractive original food, in clublike settings with drinks from blenders.” Click here to read the full article.

Sobieski Vodka's “Truth in Vodka” PR Success Featured on CNBC.Com
CNBC.com, the web's preeminent financial news source, ran a Sobieski Vodka success story titled, "How a New Vodka Brand Set a Sales Milestone.” The article highlights Sobieski Vodka's 255,000-case sales milestone, the "Truth in Vodka" campaign and quotes the company's CEO extensively. It points out that Sobieski Vodka's positioning is ideal for these tough economic times, as consumers seek out affordable spirits that make no compromises on quality. Click here to read more.

Terra Andina Chilean Wine Featured in Food & Wine Magazine
Terra Andina 2007 Chardonnay Reserva was featured in Food & Wine magazine as one of Coastal Chile’s best value wines. The wine is described as a “spicy, balanced white,” and Chile’s Pacific Coast was noted as one of the world’s best sources for crisp, zesty whites. Click here to read the article.

Sobieski Vodka Cocktails on WPIX-TV (CW 11), New York
Master Mixologist Tad Carducci stirred up interest in Sobieski Vodka on WPIX-TV (CW 11) by demonstrating crowd-pleasing cocktails that are also budget-friendly and perfect for home entertaining. The five-minute segment highlighted Sobieski Vodka tipples such as Sobieski Summer Cup, Savage Chic and Skyrockets In Flight. This morning show has more than 45,000 viewers in the Greater New York Metropolitan area. Click here to watch the segment.

Terra Andina Chilean Wine Celebrates the 2009 New York Emmy® Awards
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences New York chose Terra Andina’s Carmenère Reserva, made from Chile’s signature varietal grape, as the exclusive wine for their VIP swag bag at the 52nd Annual Emmy® Awards held in New York City. Celebrities, including award presenters, nominees and winners, toasted the glamorous night in style! Click here to read the press release.

Sobieski Vodka on COSMO Sirius Radio
The Sirius Satellite Radio Network and its show, “Get in Bed With Cosmo Radio,” devoted one hour to Sobieski Vodka cocktails and cocktail guru Tad Carducci, who mixed up some exciting Sobieski Vodka drinks incorporating aphrodisiac ingredients. Tad explained Sobieski Vodka’s “Truth in Vodka” messages while he debunked the myths and hyped-up marketing ploys of overpriced vodka brands, all while shaking up cocktails. The show has 19 million subscribers across the U.S. Click here to listen to the segment.

Bulgarian Tcherga Wines Featured in the New York Post
Bulgarian Tcherga Wines were featured in the ‘Proof Positive’ column in the New York Post. This article highlighted Tcherga’s high quality and affordable price, and offered Bulgaria as the new up-and-coming winemaking region. Click here to read the article.

Macondo’s Hot Chocolate Featured in Page Six Magazine
Chef Maximo Tejada’s creative take on hot chocolate at Macondo was featured in Page Six magazine. The article featured the best five places to go in New York City for hot chocolate. This creative drink was described as a classic winter drink with a “bold kick.” Click here to read the article.

Bulgarian Tcherga Wine Featured in Every Day with Rachael Ray Magazine
Every Day with Rachael Ray featured Tcherga Bulgarian wines in their Wine Pairing section by Mark Oldman. The article, titled the “Match Game” paired Tcherga 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon and Mavrud with dishes such as scalloped corn beef and cabbage, and Greek wedding soup. Every Day With Rachael Ray has over 1,700,000 readers monthly. Click here to read the article.

“Sobieski Stiletto” Cocktail in W Magazine
W Magazine’s W Personal Shopper section included Sobieski Vodka’s stylish signature cocktail, the “Sobieski Stiletto” and Master Mixologist Tad Carducci. The sinfully delicious cocktail recipe is also featured on wdesires.com/personalshopper. W Magazine has over 400,000 readers monthly. Click here to read the article.

Macondo, a Latin Tapería, and Kevin Spacey Featured in Page Six Magazine
New York Post’s Page Six magazine featured Macondo’s morcilla (blood sausage) dish, upon which Kevin Spacey recently feasted, in their ‘trends’ section. Page Six Magazine has over 300,000 readers weekly. Click here to read the article.

Sobieski Vodka Cocktails Featured on MarieClaire.com
MarieClaire.com featured three of Sobieski Vodka’s fashionable cocktails including the "Yuletide Punch," "Winter Wonderland," and "Blue Rain," in their Holiday Party Planning Guide. All three cocktails were developed by master mixologists such as Tad Carducci, Junior Merino and Francesco LaFranconi. MarieClaire.com attracts more than 780,000 visitors monthly. Click here to read the article.

Rayuela and Macondo Featured in the New York Times
The New York Times’ Travel section featured Rayuela restaurant and Macondo, a Latin tapería, as top brunch destinations in Manhattan in their "36 Hours" column. Chef Máximo Tejada was also featured in their “36 Hours in New York” video on www.newyorktimes.com.The New York Times has more than 1,400,000 readers daily. Click here to read the article.

Hector Sanz, Co-Owner of Rayuela and Macondo, on MSNBC.com
MSNBC.com interviewed Hector Sanz, co-owner of two Latin restaurants on the Lower East Side, for the article “NYC Restaurants Slammed by Financial Crisis.” MSNBC.com has over 37,600,000 visitors daily. Click here to read the article.

Sobieski Vodka Featured in WHERE Magazines Nationwide
WHERE Magazines nationwide featured Sobieski Vodka, Poland’s #1 premium vodka. The article highlighted Sobieski Vodka’s exceptional quality at a reasonable price. WHERE Magazines nationwide have a combined circulation of more than several million readers. Click here to read the article.

Macondo's Signature Cocktail in the New York Times
Macondo, Hanna Lee Communications, Inc.'s new Latin tapería client, was featured in the "Styles" section of the Sunday New York Times in Jonathan Miles "Shaken and Stirred" column. The column focused on the Macondo's innovative Aguacate+Mezcal cocktail developed by Master Mixologist Junior Merino and quoted Héctor Sanz, the restaurateur behind Macondo as well as Rayuela. Click here to read the article.

Photo courtesy of the New York Times

"Truth in Vodka" Record-Breaking Case Study
Hanna Lee Communications, Inc.'s "Truth in Vodka" PR campaign helped Sobieski Vodka achieve its 200,000-case sales milestone faster than any other spirits brand in U.S. history. The campaign urges consumers to focus on what's in the bottle, namely authenticity, quality and flavor, rather than fancy packaging or gimmicky marketing campaigns. It has resonated with consumers who are tired of overpriced vodkas and it is a perfect case study of an effective strategic PR campaign having a vast marketplace impact. Click here to read the press release.

Sobieski Vodka in Bon Appétit Magazine
Sobieski Vodka was among six vodkas singled out as "favorites" by Bon Appétit Magazine in their June 2008 issue. Click here to read the article.

Sobieski Vodka and Madison Square Garden Partnership Announcement
As a result of a New York Post Sunday Business section article initiated by Hanna Lee Communications, Inc., Sobieski Vodka and Madison Square Garden announced a multi-year marketing agreement effective March 1, 2008. Sobieski Vodka is now showcased to more than four million people annually during more than 275 events. Click the link for The New York Post article or the press release.

Timo Sutinen, VP Marketing & Business Development, Imperial Brands, Inc. and Bill Smith, Account Executive Marketing Partnerships, Madison Square Garden Media

Executive Chef Máximo Tejada of Rayuela in Wine Enthusiast Magazine
In the May 2008 issue, Executive Chef Máximo Tejada of Rayuela and his Estilo Libre Latino (Freestyle Latino) cuisine concept were featured in the article, “Nuevo Latino Comes of Age.” He was included alongside two other prominent Latino chefs and his recipe for Scallop con Passion Ceviche was mentioned. Click here to read the article.

New Client: Terra Andina
In April 2008, Hanna Lee Communications, Inc. was named public relations agency of record for Terra Andina, a leading producer of innovative, premium Chilean wine. The agency will launch a multi-year, strategic PR campaign targeting both the trade and consumers. With its name meaning “Land of the Andes,” Terra Andina’s award-winning wines represent the diversity of Chile’s terroirs and varietal integrity. Led by visionary winemaker Stefano Gandolini, Terra Andina is redefining Chilean wines with three product lines: Terra Andina Varietals, Terra Andina Reserva and Terra Andina Altos, a collection of unique blends. Click here for the press release.
www.terraandina.com

Stefano Gandolini, Master Winemaker, Terra Andina

Rayuela Restaurant and Alicia Keys on MTV
During the season premiere of “The Hills,” Dove beauty products debuted their first episode of “Fresh Takes,” starring Alicia Keys that was filmed over a two-day shoot at Rayuela. The episode debuted on March 24, 2008 on MTV. To view the entire four-minute episode, click here.

Sobieski Vodka Sponsors 2008 New York Emmy Awards
On April 6, 2008, Hanna Lee Communications arranged for its client, Sobieski Vodka, Poland’s #1 premium vodka, to be the exclusive vodka sponsor of the star-studded 51st Annual New York Emmy Awards in New York City. Celebrity VIPs, including award presenters, nominees and winners, were presented with a swag bag that included a bottle of Sobieski Vodka. Celebrities now enjoy Sobieski in classic Martinis or their favorite cocktails. Click the link for the full list of VIPs or the press release.

Sobieski Vodka on WCBS-880 AM
On March 5, 2008, Bob Lape, radio show host of "Dining Diary" on WCBS-880 AM, announced to listeners that Sobieski Vodka, Poland's #1 premium vodka, broke American sales records for a newly-introduced vodka by selling 70,000 cases in only six months. Click the link for the radio show or the press release.

"how sweet it is" on DailyCandy.com
In February 2008, "how sweet it is" was awarded DailyCandy.com’s 2007 Sweetest Things “Smell” Award. "how sweet it is" is an artisanal bakery and custom cake company located on the Lower East Side. It was nominated in December 2007 and DailyCandy.com readers chose the winners. To read the initial opening article on "how sweet it is" that ran on DailyCandy.com on October 26, 2007, click here.

Chef Máximo Tejada of Rayuela on NYC-TV’s “Eat Out NY”
In January 2008, Chef Máximo Tejada of Rayuela appeared on NYC-TV’s “Eat Out NY” with NY Emmy Award-nominated Kelly Choi. He explained his Estilo Libre Latino (Freestyle Latino) cuisine concept and showcased his signature dishes including ceviches. Click here to watch the segment.

"how sweet it is" in OK! Magazine
In the March 24, 2008 issue of OK! Magazine, the cupcakes at "how sweet it is" artisanal bakery were featured as one of the 5 things to check out that week in their "OK! Rocks" section. OK! Magazine is a popular celebrity weekly reaching almost 1 million readers per week. The cast of the new "Sex & The City" movie snacked on their cupcakes during their filming last winter. To read the article, click here.

New Client: Italy-America Chamber of Commerce
In February, 2008, the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce hired Hanna Lee Communications, Inc. to promote and host their “Piedmont: Food and Design Made In Italy” event at Cipriani 23rd Street on April 16, 2008. www.italchamber.org

New Client: Bar Celona Spanish Tapas Lounge
In February 2008, Hanna Lee Communications, Inc. was named public relations agency of record for Bar Celona, a swanky, modern Spanish tapas lounge serving traditional Spanish tapas with a twist, as well as sophisticated cocktails. The agency will help launch the restaurant, which will open in the summer of 2008 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and will be responsible for positioning it as stylish destination. Owned by Cynthia Diaz, a former fashion consultant and up-and-coming restaurateur, Bar Celona is her first culinary venture and it combines her love of style with her passion for food and nightlife. www.barcelonaloungenyc.com

Executive Chef Máximo Tejada of Rayuela on CW-11 Morning News
On January 21, 2008, Executive Chef Máximo Tejada of Rayuela Restaurant appeared on the CW-11 Morning News to teach viewers how to make ceviche. Chef Tejada demonstrated to show host Sukanya Krishnan how easy it is to assemble the Camarones con Salsa Verde recipe, which contains shrimp and a cilantro and tomatillo citrus sauce. To watch the segment, click here.

(From right to left): Hanna Lee Communications' client, Rayuela restaurant's Chef Maximo Tejada poses with CW-11 Morning Show hosts Sukanya Krishnan and John Muller and Rayuela's co-owner Hector Sanz in the TV studio on January 23, 2008

Rayuela Restaurant Nominated for 2008 Travel & Leisure Design Award
Rayuela (Spanish for “hopscotch”) was nominated for a 2008 Travel & Leisure Magazine Design Award. Designed by Jun Aizaki of Crème Design, Inc., Rayuela features a live olive tree that grows towards a skylight in the center of the restaurant and a hopscotch theme found throughout. For the design press release, click here.

Rayuela on Univision Channel 41
In May 2008, Univision featured Rayuela on a Mother’s Day dining segment. Columnist Seth Kugel of New York Times was the guest host and picked Rayuela as one of the top 3 Latino restaurants in New York City. To watch the segment, click here.

"how sweet it is" on The Martha Stewart Show
On December 11, 2007, Ellen Sternau and Beth Pilar of "how sweet it is" artisanal bakery joined Martha Stewart to showcase their famous Cranberry-Almond One-Bites for Christmas parties. To view the full segment, click here.

Sobieski Vodka on Sirius Satellite Radio with Phil Lempert
On November, 10, 2007, Phil Lempert, Radio Show Host of "Before You Bite" on Lime.com interviewed Chester Brandes, CEO of Imperial Brands and spokesperson for Sobieski Vodka. Brandes discussed Sobieski Vodka's "Truth in Vodka" campaign, which urges consumers to look at what's inside the bottle and know that they don't have to pay exorbitant prices to get great quality vodka. Phil Lempert is also the Food Editor for NBC's "Today Show." His website, SuperMarketGuru.com, attracts over 9 million visitors a year. To listen to the segment, click here.

Sobieski Vodka on NBC’s “10!” Show in Philadelphia
On January 7, 2008, Sobieski Vodka was spotlighted in a wedding shower feature with lifestyle expert Leah Ingram and show host Lori Wilson. Ingram recommended Sobieski Vodka for her “Raise the Bar” shower theme idea during this three-minute segment. To watch the clip, click here.

New Client: how sweet it is
In September 2007, how sweet it is, a custom pastry and cake company owned by chefs/co-owners Ellen Sternau and Beth Pilar, hired Hanna Lee Communications, Inc. to publicize the opening of their first artisanal retail bakery. Clients include well-known fashion designers, pop singers and movie stars. www.howsweetitispastry.com

Beth Pilar and Ellen Sternau, Chefs/co-owners, how sweet it is

Celebrity Chef Anthony Bourdain of The Travel Channel’s “No Reservations” Travels to Korea
As part of working with the Korean Cultural Service Center, Hanna Lee Communications arranged “No Reservations” show host Anthony Bourdain’s trip to Korea to explore the country's food, culture and lifestyle. To watch the episode of Anthony in Korea that aired on The Travel Channel, click here.

New Client: Imperial Brands, Inc.
On June 15, 2007, Hanna Lee Communications, Inc. signed on as the agency of record for Imperial Brands, Inc., a new importer and marketer of distinctive spirits, wines and specialty foods headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens , Fla. and a U.S. subsidiary wholly owned by Belvédère Group SA.  The agency is responsible for launching Sobieski Vodka, the #1 best-selling premium vodka in Poland , to the U.S. through a nationwide PR campaign.  The agency is also responsible for ongoing PR planning and implementation for Sobieski Vodka, in addition to introducing Imperial Brands, Inc. to the media. www.ibrandsinc.com

NBC Today Show
On June 14, 2007, NBC’s “Today Show,” the nation's most popular morning show, featured Hanna Lee Communications, Inc.’s clients Tony May and Marisa May, co-owners of San Domenico NY, on their Father's Day segment at 9:45 a.m.  The segment was broadcast to 6 million viewers nationwide. The father and daughter team worked together to prepare San Domenico NY's signature dish, Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, during the live cooking segment.  Additionally, Hanna Lee Communications arranged a pre-interview segment about the Mays’ life as a culinary team which aired before the live cooking segment. www.sandomeniconewyork.com / www.todayshow.com

Rayuela Restaurant
On March 1, 2007, Hanna Lee Communications, Inc., signed on as the agency of record for Rayuela (Spanish for "hopscotch"), a stylish new Latin American restaurant and ceviche bar on the Lower East Side. The agency is responsible for publicizing Rayuela's opening and ongoing PR campaign, as well as introducing its innovative Estilo Libre Latino (Freestyle Latino) cuisine, the brainchild of Executive Chef Máximo Tejada and emerging restaurateur Hector Sanz. www.rayuelanyc.com

NYC & Company Retains Hanna Lee Communications, Inc. for their March 29, 2007 Business Building Seminar sponsored by Coca Cola
NYC & Company, New York City's official tourism board, retained Hanna Lee Communications, Inc. to organize a business building seminar for their restaurant members titled, "Marketing Your Restaurant in the Digital Age" on March 29, 2007. The seminar, which was sponsored by Coca Cola, presented speakers such as Pavia Rosati of Dailycandy.com, Andrea Strong of The Strong Buzz, and Steven Shaw of eGullet.org, who shared their online marketing tips for restaurateurs. Tracy Nieporent of the Myriad Restaurant Group who is also NYC & Company's Restaurant Committee Chair moderated the panel.

NYU’s Food Studies & Management Master’s Program
NYU Professor Steve Zagor welcomes Hanna Lee as she volunteers to present her Top Ten Tips on how to be a successful PR professional, as well as her Media Relations Do’s and Don’ts and a successful PR case study of Mionetto Prosecco on October 11 from 4:45 PM to 6:35 PM.

Restaurant PR Seminars Hosted by Seedco, a Nonprofit Organization Supporting Small Business and Hanna Lee
As a pro-bono project, Hanna Lee presented two 2-hour PR 101 seminars for small restaurant owners. The first was held on the Lower East Side on September 18, 2006. The second was held in Central Harlem on September 26. These were part of "Restaurant Initiatives" hosted by New York City's Business Solutions Center. More than 30 restaurateurs attended. For more information, read the press release.

• Wine 101 for Business Lunches and Dinners (July 2006)
  
  
• Tango, Tango, Tango! (March 2006)
  Interviewed Alejandro Poffo, Deputy Consul, Commercial Office at Consulate General of Argentina in New York, for this article.
  
  
• Wine Tasting Do's and Don'ts (January 2006)
  Consulted Richard J. Genova, Senior Vice President, Pasternak Wine Imports, for this article.
  
  
• Ciao, Italia (October 2005)
  Interviewed David Rosengarten, Editor in Chief, The Rosengarten Report, for this article.
  
  
• And the Oscar Goes To...Pinot Noir! (March 2005)
  Interviewed Eric Asimov, Chief Wine Critic, New York Times, for this article.
  
  
• Pop the Cork and Say, "Be My Valentine" (January 2005)
  Interviewed Anthony Giglio, a wine journalist for Boston Magazine, CHOW, Wine & Spirits Magazine, and also "Cocktails in New York."